Auto fraud encompasses a broad variety of illegal acts committed to deceive consumers. Auto dealers and lenders, as well as their employees, can be charged with auto fraud if they engage in any of the following practices.
Auto Fraud Includes A Wide Range Of Deceptive Practices
Auto fraud refers to a wide range of unlawful conduct undertaken to defraud consumers. It is committed by both vehicle dealers and lenders, as well as auto manufacturers. According to Nathan DeLadurantey, auto fraud can include misrepresenting facts about the vehicle being sold or leased, making false statements about financing options available, such as interest rates or down payments, or failing to disclose known defects in vehicles that were not repaired before the sale.
Auto Fraud Laws Vary Widely By State
Some states have very strong consumer protection laws and others have weaker ones. Nathan DeLadurantey In general, you need to know what your rights are as a consumer when you purchase a used car. If you feel like something isn’t right with the vehicle or if something happens after purchase, there may be legal options available for you to take action against the seller or manufacturer of that vehicle.
Civil Lawsuits May Help Auto Fraud Victims Recover Damages
You may also be able to recover damages through a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit is an action brought by one party against another, alleging that the defendant has caused harm to the plaintiff and requesting compensation for damages. If you are successful in your claim, you can receive monetary compensation for losses and other expenses related to the fraud. The amount of money awarded depends on several factors including:
• Car type purchased
• Cash or financing
• The miles before detecting hidden faults
Sue An Auto Dealer Or Lender With A Consumer Rights And Auto Fraud Attorney
A consumer rights attorney can help you understand your rights under state and federal legislation, such as:
• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which safeguards customers against misleading advertising.
• The Truth in Lending Act, which requires lenders to disclose specific loan details.
Because the attorneys have handled auto fraud cases before, they know what questions to ask when determining whether a dealer has broken consumer protection laws.